Citing a similar offense to the one he ran at Archbishop Spalding, a quality education and the close proximity of the campus to his home, Cavaliers senior Evan Fochtman, a co-winner of the 2016 Rhodes Trophy, committed to the United States Naval Academy Thursday night, choosing the Annapolis school over the United States Military Academy and the University of Pennsylvania.

"It was just the opportunity that it gives me later in life, the opportunity to play a such a high level and a great education," said Fochtman, who will report directly to Annapolis this summer instead of heading to the Naval Academy Prep School in Rhode Island. "I think (Navy's run-heavy offense) fits me extremely well and that's part of the reason. It's a great fit."

Spalding coach Kyle Schmitt also believes his two-way threat quarterback will transition nicely to Navy's option offense as has former Cavaliers and current Midshipmen signal caller Zach Abey. Fochtman completed 128 of 207 passes for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 1,120 yards and 14 scores on 153 carries. Fochtman finished his scholastic career with 7,107 total yards and 80 touchdowns.

"Academically and the rest of his life, it's an awesome fit for him and there are a lot of similarities in the two systems and the way we go about doing things," Schmitt said. "I'm thrilled for him."

Fochtman's play helped lead the Cavaliers produce 45 points a game in the MIAA A Conference en route to a 9-2 record, a No. 1 finish in The Capital and a No. 2 ranking in the Baltimore Sun this past fall.